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- Study cites lower participation in defined-contribution plans
Fewer people have pensions or put money into defined-contribution plans now compared with 2001, according to a study by University of Michigan researchers. "Our analysis confirms what everyone suspected -- people are using their retirement accounts to help when their kids are going to college or their spouse loses a job," said Frank Stafford, co-author of the study. BenefitsPro.com
(2/5)     
- Experts: 401(k)s still are tapped for loans too often
The percentage of workers taking 401(k) loans or distributions appears to have decreased, but experts say the numbers are still too high. About $70 billion of the $294 billion deposited in 401(k)s each year is withdrawn for expenses such as mortgages or credit card bills, says Matt Fellowes of HelloWallet. Financial Advisor online
(2/6)
| Investment Trends | | |
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- Retirement plans seen making more use of target-date strategies
Defined-contribution retirement plans likely will increase use of target-date investment strategies, encouraged by features including auto-enrollment, re-enrollment and default investment options, industry experts said. During the 12-month period that ended Sept. 30, investment in target-date strategies by defined-contribution plans rose nearly 29%, according to Pensions & Investments' annual survey of the biggest retirement plans. Pensions & Investments (free registration)
(2/4)
| Policy Watch | | |
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- Utah proposes sharing exchange responsibilities with U.S.
Utah should continue operating its existing health insurance exchange for small businesses while leaving the rest of the exchange's operations to the federal government, Gov. Gary Herbert says. Herbert said he floated the concept with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Sebelius "wants to continue to be as flexible as possible within the confines of the law, and HHS will continue working closely with state officials moving forward," an HHS spokeswoman said. The Wall Street Journal/Washington Wire blog
(2/6)
| Building Your Business | | |
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- Commentary: New estate-tax law makes planning easier
The permanent estate-tax law removes a significant obstacle to taking a proactive approach on estate planning, Philip Harriman writes. Advisers now have an easier job of communicating to clients about options, such as the role life insurance plays in providing cash necessary to paying off debts or taxes, resolving business concerns and making charitable contributions, he writes. National Underwriter Life & Health
(2/6)
| NAIFA News | | |
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NAIFA President Rob Smith: Advisers' professional lives depend on making their voices heard
NAIFA President Rob Smith explains the importance of advisers engaging Congress on tax reform.
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NAIFA members ramp up their political involvement
More than 150 members gathered in Washington from Jan. 27 to 29 for NAIFA's annual IFAPAC/APIC Training Meeting and Day on the Hill. They received a legislative briefing on issues facing Congress that could affect their businesses and their clients. Topping the list this year is tax reform and the potential threats it poses to life insurance and annuity products, employer-provided health care, and retirement-savings programs. Read more on the Advisor Today blog.
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